Shehbaz Sharif Invites US Firms to Explore Pakistan Investment

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited American companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, highlighting US investment in agriculture, mining and minerals, information technology, energy, ports and shipping, and privatisation.

Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks during a meeting with a joint delegation of the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and the US-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting focused on expanding trade, investment and business ties between Pakistan and the United States.

Pakistan Seeks Greater US Business Engagement

The prime minister said Pakistan was working to create a more investor-friendly business environment. He highlighted reforms aimed at protecting foreign investment and supporting private-sector activity.

According to Shehbaz, Pakistan’s economy had achieved greater stability and was moving towards growth. He also acknowledged challenges arising from the ongoing Gulf crisis.

He stressed that lasting regional peace would support stronger business and investment activity. Pakistan, he said, was also pursuing initiatives aimed at supporting peace and stability in the region.

The prime minister described the BCIU and USPBC as important links between the business communities of Pakistan and the United States. He called for improved bilateral relations to translate into higher trade and investment.

Agriculture and Technology Among Key Areas

Agriculture emerged as one of the major sectors discussed during the meeting.

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Shehbaz said Pakistan could increase agricultural productivity by adopting modern machinery and technology. He specifically pointed to equipment such as harvesters as a way to improve per-acre yields, increase efficiency and reduce production costs.

The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s young population as an important economic resource. He pointed to information technology and artificial intelligence as sectors with significant potential.

The government, he said, was expanding vocational and technical training to help young people gain skills and access productive employment.

Mining, Energy and Infrastructure

Pakistan’s mineral wealth also featured prominently in the discussions. Shehbaz said the country possessed substantial natural resources and offered opportunities for international investors in mining and minerals.

Energy security represented another potential area for cooperation. The prime minister highlighted opportunities related to oil, petroleum and gas.

He also invited US businesses to consider investment in Pakistan’s ports and shipping sector. According to the prime minister, these areas could contribute to broader economic growth and connectivity.

Government Pushes Privatisation

Shehbaz also invited US businesses to participate in Pakistan’s privatisation programme.

He said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had been privatised and expressed confidence that its new Pakistani owners would improve the airline’s performance. He also referred to the privatisation of a bank and said the government was accelerating the process for power distribution companies.

The prime minister said the government intended to offer additional areas to the private sector. Its role, he stressed, should focus on facilitating business rather than competing in commercial activities.

Pakistan, he added, was ready to engage with US investors on areas of mutual interest.

US Companies Discuss Expansion Plans

Senior representatives of several US companies with business interests in Pakistan attended the meeting. They included Boeing, Abbott, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Resecurity, Mastercard, Nvidia, ETS Capital, TRG International, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Northshore Medical Lab, Reckitt, Visa and Excelerate Energy.

USPBC President Esperanza Jelalian thanked the prime minister for his continued engagement with US businesses. She also briefed him on plans by the US Chamber of Commerce to promote Pakistan’s investment opportunities.

BCIU President Peter Tichansky highlighted interest among member companies in expanding existing investments and exploring new partnerships in Pakistan.

Representatives of both organisations assured the prime minister that they would continue engaging with the Pakistani government and private sector to strengthen economic cooperation.

US business representatives also briefed Shehbaz on their existing interests in Pakistan and plans to expand their presence in the country.

Focus on Economic Reforms

The prime minister highlighted several structural reforms, including digitisation of the economy, reforms at the Board of Revenue and expansion of e-governance.

These measures form part of the government’s broader effort to improve the business environment and attract investment. Recent official statements have also highlighted FBR reforms and measures aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

Shehbaz said Pakistan’s market size and youthful workforce made the country relevant to US businesses seeking new opportunities.

The prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Minister for Finance and Revenue, the Minister for Defence, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, Chairman PVARA Bilal bin Saqib, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Asim Iftikhar and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh.